September-October . 2024

ITC ’ s mission is to enhance Malaysia ’ s Islamic tourism segment through a range of services , including research , market intelligence , training , and the development of Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) standards . Its signature programme , the 4th WITC , promises to be a pivotal event , underscoring the importance of ‘ Forging Connections ’ in the Islamic tourism space .

This year ’ s conference aims to reveal emerging trends and innovative strategies for expanding the Islamic tourism and MFTH sectors . The focus is on penetrating both established and promising yet underdeveloped Muslim markets , addressing the dynamic needs and expectations of Muslim travellers worldwide . The theme ‘ Forging Connections ’ reflects the essence of Islamic tourism , emphasising the importance of building bridges between destinations to foster mutual understanding , economic collaboration , cultural exchange , and sustainability .

The WITC 2024 will feature a series of innovative sessions designed to inspire and inform attendees . These sessions will cover pressing topics and trends , offering insights into four key areas : Understanding Muslim Tourists , Muslim-Friendly Travel and

THE Muslim tourist market , which constitutes the primary audience of Islamic tourism and Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ), is projected to reach a substantial US $ 225 billion by 2028 , signalling the sector ’ s promising outlook .

Some key speakers of WITC 2024 :

• Nizran Noordin , Director-General , Islamic Tourism Centre

• Omar DaCosta Shahid , Co-founder , Creed & Culture

• Shahzad Younas , CEO , Muzz

• Chef Gero DiMaria , Owner , Kucina Italian Restaurant

• Ala Uddin , Co-Founder , Mud Orange

• Dr Barbara Hayat , Director , The Halal Academy

• Dr Nisha Abu Bakar , Founder , World Women Tourism

• Kalsom Taib , Author , Recipes are for Sharing

• Jennifer Ogunyemi , Founder , Sisters in Business

• Vincent Vichit-Vadakan , Food Journalist

• İhsan ÖVÜT , Secretary General , Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries

• HE Karomidin Gadoev , Ambassador , Embassy of Uzbekistan to Malaysia

• Alex Castaldi , Chief Operating Officer , Sunway Hospitality Group

• Gary Bowerman , Director , Check-in Asia

• Kingston Khoo , President , Eco-STEPS

• Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar , Undersecretary , Department of Tourism Philippines

• Noor Ahmad Hamid , CEO , Pacific Asia Travel Association ( PATA )

• Mirza Vejzagic , Vice President , Malaysia-Bosnia and Herzegovina Business Council

• Marta Fernández Martín , Director , Spain Tourism Board

• Fazal Bahardeen , Chief Executive Officer , CrescentRating

• Prof . Dr Hafiz Hanafiah , Deputy Dean , Faculty of Tourism & Hospitality , Universiti Teknologi MARA ( UiTM )

• Anis Ramli , Founder & Editor , Halaluxe

• Marina Muhamad , Director , Industry Development , Islamic Tourism Centre

• Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin , Director , Research and Training , Islamic Tourism Centre

Community , Growth and Opportunity , and Inclusivity . The conference is set to provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape and future directions for the Islamic tourism sector .

One of the highlights of this year ’ s conference is the focus on ‘ The Power of Food .’ This segment aims to demonstrate how culinary experiences can be a central theme in tourism , transforming food from a mere necessity into a compelling element of travel experiences .

The previous editions of the WITC have set a high standard and achieved notable success . The inaugural conference in 2017 , themed ‘ Understanding and Embracing Muslim-Friendly Tourism ’, saw participation from 167 individuals . This was followed by the 2021 edition , which , despite the challenges posed by the pandemic , successfully engaged 50 on-site and 251 online participants under the theme ‘ Islamic Tourism : New Norms and Revitalisation ’. The third edition , held in 2022 , focused on ‘ Islamic Tourism : Inspiring Balance , Transformations and Solutions ’ and was attended by 460 participants , further cementing the conference ’ s reputation as a leading event in the field .

The 4th WITC is expected to build on these successes , offering a platform for industry leaders , stakeholders , and experts to discuss and explore innovative solutions and strategies for the Islamic tourism sector . The conference will not only address the current challenges but also provide a vision for future growth and development across the global Islamic tourism landscape . – RnR

“ The 4th WITC is expected to build on these successes , offering a platform for industry leaders , stakeholders , and experts to discuss and explore innovative solutions and strategies for the Islamic tourism sector .”